You look on the ceiling and realize that a water stain is slowly spreading. You know that a call to the local roofing company is in order, and you are dreading the thought of having the roof replaced. The good news is that a minor roof leak does not automatically mean that your roof has to be replaced. You may be able to have it repaired. Here are some tips to help you decide if you must replace your roof or if you can just have it repaired.

Age of the Roof

The first thing you must consider is the age of the roof. Asphalt shingles typically only last 20 to 30 years, so it is almost always more cost-effective to replace a roof when it’s nearing the end of its life span.

Type of Damage

Sometimes the damage is visible. It might be a few missing shingles or flashing that has pulled away from a chimney. These are both minor jobs that are easily tended. Hail damage, however, is another story. Hail dents the shingles and harms its waterproofing ability. The most frightening part of hail damage is that you cannot easily see the damage, but your roof’s lifespan will be drastically shortened. This is why most companies recommend replacing a roof that has been through a hailstorm.

Extent of Damage

It’s a relatively easy project to replace a few missing shingles, but what happens when there are curling and damaged shingles across the roof? When the damage covers more than 20 percent of the roof, you are usually better off replacing the entire structure. Once extensive damage starts appearing, it is safe to assume that even shingles that look fine now will start showing damage in the near future. Unless the damage is highly localized, you are probably going to be better off with a new roof.

Always find the Cause

Before deciding if you will repair or replace your roof, you must determine why the damage occurred. Weather cannot be avoided or changed, and some problems just naturally happen with age. However, other issues are within your control. Trees that overhang the roof and rub on your shingles are going to damage a new roof, so they should be trimmed back before the work is done. Poor attic ventilation allows extreme attic temperatures to form, and that can turn your attic into an oven that roasts the shingles and roof deck. Any shingles placed on the home will fail prematurely, so this issue should be addressed as part of the repair work.

Knowing why the damage occurred can also help you determine if a roof can be repaired or if all the shingles are probably compromised and should be replaced.

Nobody likes the idea of buying a new roof, but there comes a point when the roof must be repaired or replaced. Before you made a final decision, my advice is to visit the Bishops Pond website and check their gallery to see how the new modern roof should look like. Professional can help you determine if a repair will work or the roof must be replaced in full. In general, small problems can be fixed for a low cost. Extensive damage call for a full replacement, and you should also invest in a new roof if the existing one is more than 20 years old.

Robert has recently moved to his new home on Long Island. It is charming but old house. The biggest issue was damage on the roof. He repaired it in 3 weeks with a little help of his friend’s advice who is working for the Bishop’s Pound real estate company. Here are the tips based on his personal experience.